Twenty Third Week In Ordinary Time

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
Jesus tells us in the gospel this week “whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” In taking up our cross we recognize the divine presence in difficult times. Jesus reminds us that God draws near to all of us in times of hardship. Hardship is not taken away, however we are able to endure because we have taken up our won cross and allow Jesus to carry it with us. 
 
Religious Education classes have started, and we have extended registration. To register go to the Faith Formation office or register online at https://sthyacinth.org/faith-formation-registration-form.
 
Remember as well that when you are registering your child for Religious Education classes you can also sign-up yourself to be a catechist or aide. We need a number of catechists to teach our children, from the littlest ones in the early grades on through middle school and high school. We’ll train you and give you all the support you need. The Faith Formation staff is happy to answer questions and get you involved.
 
For 2024, Cardinal DiNardo has assessed our parish DSF goal at $81,000. (As of writing for the bulletin, we have collected $51,256.)  DSF supports more than 64 ministries that serve the faithful of the Archdiocese and us here at St. Hyacinth. From chaplains at the hospitals and the Port of Houston, to religious education training for our teachers (who pass on their faith to our children), to outreach to seniors, to youth ministry, to soup kitchens, to Catholic Charities ministry to the poor and disenfranchised, and to training for seminarians, deacons and priests, the DSF provides funding for people and program that serve us all. It’s truly our baptism calling for generosity when “We are the Lord’s.”
 
DSF also offers disaster relief and food programs for the poorest among us, the Catholic Chaplain Corps that provides ministry in hospitals so that every Catholic patient has access to spiritual and sacramental care. Your DSF gift is in an extension of yourself and it is put to great use in bringing joy to so many people both here at the parish and throughout the archdiocese.
 
DSF participation enables us to impact the lives of thousands of our Archdiocesan brothers and sisters through the evangelizing, healing, nurturing and pastoral ministries of the Church. Being Disciples of Christ leads us naturally to the act of helping those who stand in need. Our dedication is expressed in deeds of service and support. 
 
This weekend the Church is asking that take a moment to consider your DSF donations. When you have your DSF envelope ready, you can place it in the offertory, mail it or drop it by the office, or go on-line and donate electronically. Simply go to www.archgh.org/dsf  and in three simple steps your donation can be completed. By supporting the ministries of the Church we nurture and enrich our Archdiocese and we carry out the design of God; indeed, we bear lasting and living fruit. 
 
 
 
 
The incentives for the parish making it’s DSF goals are that we will receive a 75% rebate on every dollar we raise over the goal. Our parish is required to meet our DSF goal, whether paid by us individually or paid from our general parish funds at the end of the year. Thank you for your generosity in helping us obtain our goal. 
 
 
 
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels